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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a team in a far better position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in a while. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable records—his downfall was finally hindered by terrible fortune. Had the absence of vital personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he could still be in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly positive state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this talented squad should be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.